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Z3 air bag light stuck on
fazerruss - 23/1/11 at 06:09 PM

Evenin all, bit of a long shot this. I was wondering if anybody in the area has a reseting gizmo for BMW airbag/SRS light. We bought the car 2 weeks ago with a probs all of which Ive sorted now but anoyingley the airbag light is stuck on and aparently will not self reset. I think a mate of the previous owner has accidently tripped it while trying to repair a fault with the drivers seat.
I dont want to go paying for it to be reset incase there is still a fault and will trip again. I plan to invest in a peak scanner eventually for the car which will use the BMW protocol for general diagnostics but for now the car has sucked me dry with a new rad,exhaust,thermostat and belts.
If any one can help Im sure I can return the favour somehow.
Cheers
Russ


AndyW - 23/1/11 at 06:29 PM

Is it not best to get it checked, just to be sure. Last thing you need is the air bags not working in case you need them. Personally I would take it in to have it checked. Cant scrimp on safety.


britishtrident - 23/1/11 at 06:29 PM

Try this: Disconnect the battery or pull the fuse for the abs, then allow the system 15 minute for back up capacitors to discharge only then fiddle with the connectors under the seat to try and get a better connection.

Reconnect the battery, turn the ignition on on BMW it can take a couple of engine starts before warning lights go off.
The Peak Scanners are very expensive for what you get.
If you want something that talks to the BMW ECU & ABS search for Autel EU702 or you could try and find a Carsoft BMW package at a decent price I have friend with it gives near dealer level accees.

[Edited on 23/1/11 by britishtrident]


fazerruss - 23/1/11 at 06:35 PM

Cheers BT Ill give that a go and let you know.
Russ


fazerruss - 23/1/11 at 09:35 PM

Tried dissconnecting the battery for 1/2 hour but no joy. Only thing it reset was the time and the milage trip counter.
Worth a try though. My appeal for someone with a gizmo still stands.
With regards to the PEAK scanner, according to the seller it will reset any of the dash lights inc service lights and read diagnostic codes all for about £135. BT do you think your mate will be able to get something cheaper?
Cheers
Russ


DRC INDY 7 - 23/1/11 at 09:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident
Try this: Disconnect the battery or pull the fuse for the abs, then allow the system 15 minute for back up capacitors to discharge only then fiddle with the connectors under the seat to try and get a better connection.

Reconnect the battery, turn the ignition on on BMW it can take a couple of engine starts before warning lights go off.
The Peak Scanners are very expensive for what you get.
If you want something that talks to the BMW ECU & ABS search for Autel EU702 or you could try and find a Carsoft BMW package at a decent price I have friend with it gives near dealer level accees.

[Edited on 23/1/11 by britishtrident]



You need to read the post again its the srs airbag system not the abs system thats at fault

Disconnecting the battery will do nothing for ABS and airbag srs faults

[Edited on 1/23/2011 by DRC INDY 7]


PSpirine - 23/1/11 at 09:49 PM

I think his reply meant that disconnect the battery and let it completely discharge, not to reset it, but to allow the OP to twiddle with the underseat wires which go to the seatbelt pretensioners. If there's a dodgy connection here, the airbag light will go on.

If you do it with a connected battery, you run the risk of setting the airbag off.


fazerruss - 23/1/11 at 09:54 PM

Looks like I need a reset tool then.
Anybody else used the Autel EU70? If it will reset any of the lights on the BMW and read all the fault codes then Ill save up for one cos i think itll be a good investment as it looks like it also reads any car using OBD. Ive looked at the ones on amazon but they only have a standard OBD sort of "D" shaped connection and from what ive seen BMWs use a round plug. Anybody have any more knowledge of this? Before I commit to spending 140 quid I want to be sure its the right device?


fazerruss - 23/1/11 at 10:05 PM

quote:
Originally posted by PSpirine
I think his reply meant that disconnect the battery and let it completely discharge, not to reset it, but to allow the OP to twiddle with the underseat wires which go to the seatbelt pretensioners. If there's a dodgy connection here, the airbag light will go on.

If you do it with a connected battery, you run the risk of setting the airbag off.


I think there was never a problem with the pretensioners. When I got the car I noticed the seat would slide forward about 1/2 inch when braking which after a bit of research realised it is a common fault with a rubber pad thad surrounds the adjustment nut on BMW electric seats. It starts to compress with age and causes backlash on the seat mechanism. This is now sorted with some new rubber pads I made but I rekon the last owners mate had a look at the seat to find out why it felt loose and probably turned on the ignision with the seat disconnected which the would trip the SRS light even though there may be a fault with the system.
The funny thing is I had the same Problem with a MGTF when I fitted new Leather seats which actually use the exact same plug on the pretensioner.
The plugs seem ok on the BMW.

[Edited on 23/1/11 by fazerruss]